The Special Prosecution for Rebellion announced on the 27th that it has additionally indicted former Army Intelligence Command Chief Noh Sang-won on charges of violating the Personal Information Protection Act, and requested an arrest warrant from the court. The former chief is currently under detention and facing trial for his involvement in the Dec. 3 martial law.
The Special Prosecution for Rebellion stated in a notice sent to the press that, "Additional charges of violating the Personal Information Protection Act have been filed against Noh Sang-won for receiving military information with the aim of forming an investigation team related to allegations of election fraud, and a request for the consolidation of arguments has been made to the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Director General Ji Kwi-yeon."
The Special Prosecution for Rebellion further noted, "On May 16, the former chief, who was referred to trial by the prosecution, also requested the consolidation of arguments with the case regarding violations of the Specific Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act (allegations of bribery) to the 25th Criminal Division and submitted an opinion paper on the necessity of an arrest warrant." The prosecution had additionally indicted the former chief last month for bribery, alleging that he had received a total of 20 million won in cash and 6 million won worth of department store gift certificates from two active-duty soldiers under the pretext of soliciting promotions.
Previously, the former chief was detained and indicted on Jan. 10 for significant duties related to rebellion and abuse of power, and is currently undergoing a first trial at the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court. The prosecution views the former chief as having intervened in military personnel matters using his ties with former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, as well as being involved in the pre-planning and execution of the martial law extensively before its declaration. He is also suspected of having met with current and former military officials at Lotteria in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, two days before the declaration of martial law, on Dec. 1 of last year, to discuss the preparations for the Dec. 3 martial law.
The former chief is approaching the expiration date of his first trial detention period regarding these charges on July 7. According to the Criminal Procedure Act, the maximum detention period in the first trial is six months. Once the detention period expires, the former chief will be able to undergo trials without any restrictions.